Ajit Agarkar one-man army behind Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal's selections; will have last word in T20 WC squad

[rollingstoned]

Ajit Agarkar one-man army behind Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal's selections; will have last word in T20 WC squad

 

Ajit Agarkar is likely have the last say in picking India's final 15 for T20 World Cup. A lot will depend on the IPL but not everything.

 

 

India's coach Rahul Dravid and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar(ANI )

 

 

When Sunil Gavaskar lavished praise on Rahul Dravid and his support staff for doing the "backroom work" with the Indian side after their triumph against England, the head coach promptly mentioned the work of the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.

 

"A big shoutout to Ajit and his team as well. A lot of the youngsters that come in… as coach and as captain we don't actually get to see a lot of them. We don't see as much domestic cricket as Ajit and his team of selectors do. They have pushed us. They have challenged us to pick some of these youngsters and they have come out here and performed. It's not easy being a selector. You always get the criticism but a big pat on the back to Ajit and his team," Dravid said in an interview with Jio Cinema following India's 4-1 series win over the Bazballers.

 

 

This was among the 1001 reasons to like Dravid as a team man, more so as a human being. But to equate this entirely to Dravid's humility would be a tad unfair to the selectors, especially its chief, Agarkar.

Agarkar's role in Jurel and Padikkal's selections

The youngsters Dravid was talking about were Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal. It was Agarkar who pushed for the selection of these two cricketers during the England series. After Ishan Kishan pulled out of the South Africa Test series citing mental fatigue, the management was in a fix about the backup keeper. It was already decided that KL Rahul will play as a specialist batter. That left India with only one keeping option - KS Bharat.

"It was Agarkar who suggested Jurel's name. The team management wasn't too confident about him as he was still a rookie. Picking a youngster who hasn't had much red-ball exposure at the top level straightaway into the Indian side for an important series like England was always going to be a brave call but Agarkar had seen enough to vouch for the youngster," a BCCI source told Hindustan Times.

After Bharat failed with the bat in the first two Tests, Jurel was handed his Test cap in Rajkot. The Agra boy did not disappoint. With a solid 45 on debut, he proved Agarkar's instincts correct. But what he pulled off in the next Test in Ranchi would not only help India secure a series win but also cement his place in the Indian squad as a keeper even when Rishabh Pant returns. Jurel top-scored in the first innings with a 91 and then stayed ice-cool under immense pressure in the second innings with an unbeaten 36 to take India home.

There was another inspired selection of Devdutt Padikkal where Agarkar took the lead. When it was more or less confirmed that both Virat Kohli and KL Rahul would not be able to take part in the remaining two Tests of the series for different reasons, India needed a solid batter in the middle order. Test caps were already handed over to Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan. After captain Rohit Sharma, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was India's most experienced batter in the top six.

"There was a discussion about Cheteshwar Pujara, who was scoring runs in Ranji Trophy. The batting line-up literally had no experience. But Agarkar stood firm on looking ahead with Padikkal's selection. He was present when he hit a fluent 150 in a Ranji Trophy and he believed that his height would come in handy against the inexperienced England spinners," the source added.

In his only chance to bat at the Test level in the final Test in Dharamsala, Padikkal scored a crucial 65 in the first innings. Agarkar was also instrumental in the selections of Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar during the South Africa tour.

Agarkar to have final say in T20 World Cup selection, IPL performance not sole parameter

The former India fast bowler has been calling the shots ever since taking over as the chairman of sectors in July last year amid turbulent times. His predecessor, Chetan Sharma, had to step down following a sting operation by a national news channel. The pedigree of the selection committee was in question.

The Board wanted a change. In came Agarkar, the face of the new selection committee with a proven track record as the Mumbai Cricket Association chief selector. He was a man with a voice backed with a sound acumen to spot talent.

He doesn't shy away from the hard task. Whether it was recommending scrapping Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer's names from the central list for not playing the Ranji Trophy or preparing backups for every position, Agarkar has been at the forefront of shaping up the backbone of India's squad as much as coach Dravid and captain Rohit.

With India still hunting for their first ICC trophy since 2013, the T20 World Cup in June is the nearest opportunity and those in the know of things believe it is Agarkar who will have the last say in picking the final 15. A lot will depend on the IPL but the dynamics of franchise cricket and international cricket are different.

“IPL will be important but it won't be the main criteria for selection for T20 World Cup. The selectors have more or less chalked out a squad. The IPL won't change too much unless there is a breakthrough performance or a drastic dip in form,” the source added.

 

 

 

[G_B_]

Good.

 

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Very impressed by Agarkar. It's a much better setup with Rohit, Dravid and Agarkar in place than when Shastri, Kohli, MSK, Dhoni were calling the shots until 2019.

[express bowling]

49 minutes ago, Nikhil_cric said:

Very impressed by Agarkar. It's a much better setup with Rohit, Dravid and Agarkar in place than when Shastri, Kohli, MSK, Dhoni were calling the shots until 2019.

 

 

Rohit and Dravid have been very conservative in their picks. Always picked the mediocres and out of form seniors first from the given squad. Like Bharat and Siraj.

 

All the improvements are being seein when Agarkar has stepped in. 

[Suhaan]

22 minutes ago, express bowling said:

 

 

Rohit and Dravid have been very conservative in their picks. Always picked the mediocres and out of form seniors first from the given squad. Like Bharat and Siraj.

 

All the improvements are being seein when Agarkar has stepped in. 

Dravid doesn't seem to be a bright person,a very meek character who reeks mediocrity and loves the company of meek weak timid run of the mill cricketers like kela,Bharat,Avesh Mukesh etc

[Lone Wolf]

1 hour ago, Nikhil_cric said:

Very impressed by Agarkar. It's a much better setup with Rohit, Dravid and Agarkar in place than when Shastri, Kohli, MSK, Dhoni were calling the shots until 2019.

I think Rohit and Dravid seem to have really poor eye for talent...  Idk what were they doing if they can't see Jurel and Bharat batting together in nets..  There exits a gulf between these two. 

Bharat had  mediocre Ranji stats in last 2 seasons too. 

 

Same goes towards Akashdeep v Mukesh debate...  Saw Rashid Latif and ex English players being surprised that how come Mukesh was preffered over him all this while on podcasts. 

 

There is a reason majority of ICF doesn't rates BCCI and its think tank for good measure 

Agarkar seems to be showing some good signs after nearly 10 years of ineptness. 

[tapandrun]

V.big development and step in right direction, Its been first time since IPL started that more players are picked from an IPL team that does not have Ind captain.

 

Previously Ind captains mostly preferred players from their state side or IPL teams the were leading.

 

When Dravid took over the main point were infight between the team treatment to the players and long rope not provided to the players.

Dravid mostly tried to keep Rohit and Kolhi happy and reduce rift between the them.  

 

Never looked look like the Selectors or TM was looking longterm solutions and to build a strong team, he is been smart that way in not risking any thing he played older players as any fallout it would be on the players.

 

The selection of Jurel and Akash or Devdutt is forced one, when there was chaos and ill planning failed they took a punt on the newer players.

This selection and TM always made sure that KL rahul's place was secure - When he is not doing good with the bat make him the 1st choice keeper and as soon as he start getting runs get someone else to keep and repeat the same  process.

 

They kept picking and giving chances to low potential players, once a fast bowling pool of 4/5 bowlers now is shrinked to  2 bowlers.

Assessment of injuries to the players just before WCs has also been a problem -- They kept saying Jadeja and Bhumrah would be back before T20 wc.

They got lucky that KL and Iyer got fit and got into form straight away the WC.

 

 

 

Edited March 14 by tapandrun

[Laaloo]

Sir Agarkar

[rollingstoned]

25 minutes ago, tapandrun said:

V.big development and step in right direction, Its been first time since IPL started that more players are picked from an IPL team that does not have Ind captain.

 

Previously Ind captains mostly preferred players from their state side or IPL teams the were leading.

 

When Dravid took over the main point were infight between the team treatment to the players and long rope not provided to the players.

Dravid mostly tried to keep Rohit and Kolhi happy and reduce rift between the them.  

 

Never looked look like the Selectors or TM was looking longterm solutions and to build a strong team, he is been start that way in not risking any thing he played older players as any fallout it would be on the players.

 

The selection of Jurel and Akash or Devdutt is forced one, when there was chaos and ill planning failed they took a punt on the newer players.

This selection and TM always made sure that KL rahul's place was secure - When he is not doing good with the bat make him the 1st choice keeper and as soon as he start getting runs he some one else and repeat the same  process.

 

They kept picking and giving chances to low potential players, once a fast bowling pool of 4/5 bowlers now is shrinked to  2 bowlers.

Assessment of injuries to the players just before WCs has also been a problem -- They kept saying Jadeja and Bhumrah would be back before T20 wc.

They got lucky that KL and Iyer got fit and got into form straight away the WC.

 

 

 

Without Agarkar we might not have won the Eng series me thinks. Dravid and TM would have looked at Pujara, Rahane, Bharat, Axar, Vihari, Iyer without rotating any of them because of lack of knowledge abt domestic cricket and the misguided faith that ttfs and experienced hands will come good if they are constantly given chances to fail. Sarfaraz should have played the Aus series instead of giving Sky an undeserved chance. 

Edited March 14 by rollingstoned

[nevada]

Good work by Agarkar! Stuck his neck out to vouch for Jurel and give him a cap. Not all such bets work out but so what? In a series where seniors were dropping like flies to run away and hide till the IPL, what's the harm in fast tracking youngsters? 

Edited March 14 by nevada

[putrevus]

I hope he cleans all the oldies from the team and sends whole new team with youngsters.

 

Kohli, Rohit, Pandya, Jadeja  and biggest loser among all KL Rahul .These guy had their chances.  let somebody else take over the team and show what they can do , who knows new players who can do well under pressure might emerge.

 

But I hope he does pick better bowling attack  than 2022 which could not even pick one wicket.That was horrible bowling attack.

 

 

Edited March 14 by putrevus

[Laaloo]

He picked Jurel and yet that weasel Dravid stuck with Bharat until his hands were forced.

Edited March 14 by Laaloo

[singhvivek141]

1 hour ago, putrevus said:

I hope he cleans all the oldies from the team and sends whole new team with youngsters.

 

Kohli, Rohit, Pandya, Jadeja  and pickest loser among all KL Rahul .These guy had their chances.  let somebody else take over the team and show what they can do , who knows new players who can do well under pressure might emerge.

 

But I hope he does pick better bowling attack  than 2022 which could not even pick one wicket.That was horrible bowling attack.

Kohli I think should continue in Tests for next 3 yearas, T20's is something where I would like the baton to be passed. ODI maybe he can continue till Champions Trophy, post that we will see.

 

Rohit should retire, from white ball. Yeah he is making runs and is captain. But he should actually call a day from T20 & ODI and continue Tests till WTC. Same goes for Jadeja.

 

KL shouldn't be part of any format. But if coach want then play him only in ODI as Kohli's backup.

 

Pandya is anyway playing T20 only. We should groom Raj Bawa for Tests & ODI. Let Pandya continue in shortest format.

 

Even likes of Ashwin shouldn't be a sure starter in Tests, and Kuldeep should play as our premier spinner, while Ashwin can come in as third spinner. Strict no for white ball.

 

 

[vvvslaxman]

Sir Aggy always talked sense in the commentatry box. Only concern was how he would work in the lack luster BCCI framework. I still don't think he has 100% say in everything. Otherwise Rohit wouldn't be playing world T20 let alone captaining

[putrevus]

23 minutes ago, singhvivek141 said:

Kohli I think should continue in Tests for next 3 yearas, T20's is something where I would like the baton to be passed. ODI maybe he can continue till Champions Trophy, post that we will see.

 

Rohit should retire, from white ball. Yeah he is making runs and is captain. But he should actually call a day from T20 & ODI and continue Tests till WTC. Same goes for Jadeja.

 

KL shouldn't be part of any format. But if coach want then play him only in ODI as Kohli's backup.

 

Pandya is anyway playing T20 only. We should groom Raj Bawa for Tests & ODI. Let Pandya continue in shortest format.

 

Even likes of Ashwin shouldn't be a sure starter in Tests, and Kuldeep should play as our premier spinner, while Ashwin can come in as third spinner. Strict no for white ball.

 

 

First let us build a team for t20 world cup then we can take a call on other things.

 

I don't see how Pandya is anyway useful in t20s, he has no ability to hit from ball one.

 

Pandya to me very overrated even in t20s and he acts as if he is Viv Richards.

 

What did Kuldeep do again in semis and finals in the world cup. Let us not jump to the gun in Kuldeep yet.

 

 

[Vijy]

7 hours ago, singhvivek141 said:

Kohli I think should continue in Tests for next 3 yearas, T20's is something where I would like the baton to be passed. ODI maybe he can continue till Champions Trophy, post that we will see.

 

Rohit should retire, from white ball. Yeah he is making runs and is captain. But he should actually call a day from T20 & ODI and continue Tests till WTC. Same goes for Jadeja.

 

KL shouldn't be part of any format. But if coach want then play him only in ODI as Kohli's backup.

 

Pandya is anyway playing T20 only. We should groom Raj Bawa for Tests & ODI. Let Pandya continue in shortest format.

 

Even likes of Ashwin shouldn't be a sure starter in Tests, and Kuldeep should play as our premier spinner, while Ashwin can come in as third spinner. Strict no for white ball.

 

 

kohli's commitment to tests is likely to wane soon, if it has not already. he has other commitments, especially given long overseas tours, and that is understandable.

[singhvivek141]

8 hours ago, putrevus said:

First let us build a team for t20 world cup then we can take a call on other things.

 

I don't see how Pandya is anyway useful in t20s, he has no ability to hit from ball one.

 

Pandya to me very overrated even in t20s and he acts as if he is Viv Richards.

 

What did Kuldeep do again in semis and finals in the world cup. Let us not jump to the gun in Kuldeep yet.

This T20 WC, we need Jaiswal & Rinku for sure in batting, both play spin well and hit big shots. Spin is going to be a key in WI.

 

For Pandya, he struggles vs hard length. But his hitting ability is still there against spin and full deliveries, plus his bowling is way better that other "allrounders" like Dube, Shardul etc. Jadeja is anyway of no use in T20.

 

Kuldeep still hasn't played enough games so far. It was his first WC and he bowled very well in most of games. His performance is on an upword trajectory. If we will become so strict with failures then even Ashwin flopped in 2016 semifinal & 2017 CT final, still we are persisting with him.

[singhvivek141]

1 hour ago, Vijy said:

kohli's commitment to tests is likely to wane soon, if it has not already. he has other commitments, especially given long overseas tours, and that is understandable.

That's fine, he can pick and choose the series as per his convenience. Verbally though Kohli has told that Tests are his priority, and I would like him to honour that.

[Norman]

And some people here were giving Dravid the credit for the young selections. 

 

All this article proves is that Dravid-Rohit and co would have taken KS Bharath to Australia if not for Agarkar. Absolutely ridiculous ..

[gattaca]

Rahul dravid is timid and not a leader. He may be a hard worker but leadership is not his forte. Greg Chappell saga already proved that.